In an electrifying showcase of talent and grit, Vijayveer Sidhu has won India its fourth gold at the ISSF World Cup in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 22-year-old shooter emerged victorious in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol, beating Italy's Riccardo Mazzetti by a point in a hair-raising final. This win not only is Sidhu's first solo ISSF World Cup gold but also stands as a testament to India's robust performance in the shooting contingent with a total of six medals, four of which are gold.
Key Highlights:
Sidhu's Comeback Win: On a wobbly start, with only a single hit to his name during his opening series, Sidhu mounted a dazzling comeback. A series of top-scoring series, followed by a flawless five in the fifth series, pushed him ahead crucially by a two-point advantage over Mazzetti.
Thrilling Finale: The match was keenly contested till the last, with both Sidhu and Mazzetti level at 25 points each before the final series. Sidhu's four hits in the final series clinched his victory, while Mazzetti could get only three.
Difficult Conditions: The competition was conducted in windy conditions, which was a major challenge for shooters. Sidhu attributed his success to being able to sustain body balance with the help of muscle force.
Personal Achievement: Sidhu had earmarked a personal target of becoming India's first World Cup gold medalist in the 25m rapid-fire pistol. It is hoped that this achievement will motivate generations of Indian shooters to come.
Family Support: Sidhu's career has also been supported by his twin brother, Udhayveer, who is also a shooter. The twins frequently compete with each other and exchange notes on their performance, creating a competitive yet supportive environment.
India's Medal Tally: India's robust ISSF World Cup campaign features yet another gold captured by Suruchi Inder Singh in the women's 10m air pistol event. India's medal tally now stands at six, and it continues to be a serious contender in global shooting events.
Background and Career
Vijayveer Sidhu from Mansa, Punjab, started his shooting career under the supervision of coach DS Chandel. His family shifted to Mohali in 2015, where he and his twin brother pursued their interest in shooting despite facing personal setbacks, such as losing their father in 2017.
Sidhu's ascent to the pinnacle has been characterized by hard work and determination. He placed ninth in the 25m rapid-fire pistol competition at the Paris Olympics, which was the spur to his present success. By having high aims and pouring in endless efforts to refine his technique, Sidhu has emerged as a role model for budding shooters of India.
Impact on Indian Shooting
This triumph is not only a personal success for Sidhu but also a landmark moment for Indian shooting. It showcases the nation's increasing strength in the sport as a formidable group of good shooters gain recognition on the global stage. The success of shooters such as Sidhu and Suruchi Inder Singh is likely to encourage more young shooters to embrace the sport, which could result in a major increase in India's medal tally in coming competitions.
Future Prospects
With India continuing to dominate shooting events, the expectation is increasing that India will deliver more world-class shooters. The ISSF World Cup has been an opportunity for Indian shooters to exhibit their talent and match up against the world's best. With the Paris Olympics approaching, India's shooting team is preparing to leave a big mark, and Vijayveer Sidhu's recent win is an encouraging indicator of things to come.
In short, Vijayveer Sidhu's gold medal at the ISSF World Cup is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. It is a new era for Indian shooting as young talent is emerging to the forefront and bringing pride to the country on the world scene.
Source: Times of India, Indian Express, NDTV Sports
